Impact on the Public

Those seeking refugee status are among the most vulnerable populations in the world. The recommendations made here touch on certain elements of the process that people experience when seeking refugee status. Supporting feedback from the public, the Ombudsman recommends specific actions that USCIS can take to improve the Adjudication of Applications for Refugee Status.

Recommendations

On April 14, 2010, the Ombudsman recommended that USCIS:

Publicly state, on the USCIS website and through stakeholder groups, the criteria by which USCIS expedites certain emergent refugee cases and how to access that expedited process.

Clearly state the reason for denying a refugee application:

Identify issues of concern during the applicant’s interview to enable the applicant to address, at that time, any potential grounds for denial; and

Articulate in the Notice of Ineligibility for Resettlement clear and case-specific information regarding the grounds for denial.

Issue guidance on how to file a Request for Reconsideration for a denied refugee application:

Provide a tip sheet on relevant supporting documents outlining the information applicants could include; and